Sexuality and sexual boundary violations in healthcare organisations: a qualitative focus group study in mental health and disability care in the Netherlands

Abstract

Objectives To explore how sexuality and sexual boundary violations are perceived and experienced in healthcare teams and organisations. Design Qualitative focus group study. Setting Mental health and disability care. Participants In total, 56 people participated across 15 focus groups in three healthcare organisations. Participants included client experts (former clients), healthcare professionals such as a psychologist, speech therapist, sexologist and personal coach, team leaders, managers and directors. Results We identified 14 different types of situations in which sexuality and sexual boundary violations play a role on four different levels: between clients, between clients and healthcare professionals, between healthcare professionals and on the management level. Situations ranged from attraction and intimacy between clients and/or professionals, promoting sexual health of clients, gut feelings and speaking up, transgressive behaviour from clients and professionals, false accusations and investigations into allegations. Conclusions Situations regarding sexuality and sexual boundary violations are varied and complex. They unfold at different levels of interaction within the organisation. To deal with this and come to practical approaches, it is important that clients, professionals and managers engage in reflection and dialogue about their experiences, opinions and perspectives.